Domestic abuse affects millions of Americans every day. However, it often goes unnoticed in many cases because it goes beyond just physical violence. Since domestic abuse encompasses many aspects, it is sometimes challenging to see the signs of domestic violence both in a relationship and looking from the outside at someone else’s relationship. Often, physical abuse isn’t the first sign of domestic abuse in many relationships. Domestic violence occurs in all types of relationships, including traditional marriage, same-sex partnerships, and even in relationships where no sexual intimacy is involved, according to TalkSpace.com.
If you are currently in a relationship where there is abuse, or you believe that your relationship is headed in that direction, there is help for you. In domestic assault cases, you will want someone in your corner. Contact the assault attorneys in Springfield at Missouri Legal today, to see what steps you can take to get out of your current situation.
Continue reading for more information about the different types of domestic assault in Springfield and the warning signs of domestic abuse.
Types of Domestic Abuse
The United States Department of Justice defines domestic violence as “a pattern of abusive behavior in any relationship that is used by one partner to gain or maintain power and control over another intimate partner.” Within this definition, five types of domestic violence exist:
- Physical Violence – Any use of physical force against another person. Examples include hitting, choking, burning, grabbing, biting, restraining, etc. Domestic assault also includes assault with a weapon.
- Sexual Violence – Sexual violence is defined as the violation of an individual’s bodily integrity, including sexual harassment, rape, prostitution, etc. Sexual abuse also includes any behavior that limits reproductive rights, such as forced abortion or the prevention of contraceptives.
- Economic Abuse – Attempting to or making the victim financially dependent on the abuser by withholding economic resources, forbidding the victim to look for employment, or seek education are all forms of economic abuse.
- Psychological Abuse – Threatening, intimidation, and isolation are all examples of psychological abuse. Damaging property, abusing pets, or always controlling what the other person does or who they talk to are also examples of this.
- Emotional Abuse – Emotional abuse is seen as hurtful, constant criticism, mocking, humiliating, or making an individual feel less-than in any way.
Warning Signs of Domestic Abuse In Your Relationship
Interestingly enough, it’s actually more comfortable for people to see abuse in other people’s relationships rather than their own. As domestic assault attorneys in Springfield, we see too many cases that could have been prevented if both parties had been aware of the signs of domestic abuse. Pay attention to these “red flags” in your relationship to avoid falling into a dangerous situation:
- If you’re afraid of your partner
- Constantly criticizes you
- Accuses you of having an affair
- Tells you how you should look and what to wear or what not to wear
- Threatens to hurt or kill someone close to you
- Throws or punches things when they get angry
- Lowers your self-esteem
- Keeps cash and credit cards from you
- Doesn’t allow you to work or go to school
- Keeps tabs on you wherever you go and who you are with
- Humiliates you in front of others
- Abandons you in unknown places
- Attacks you with or without weapons
- Keeps you from eating, sleeping or getting necessary medical care
- Forces you to have sex
- Won’t allow you to use contraceptives
- Makes you feel like you owe them sex
- Accuses you of abuse
If you are experiencing any of the above signs, there is help. Get in touch with the National Domestic Hotline here.
Warning Signs of Domestic Abuse In Someone Else
Just as there are many different types of domestic abuse, there are also many different signs that someone may be experiencing abuse. According to Very Well Mind, many people who are abused may try to cover up what is happening to them for several reasons. These people could benefit from the help of someone else noticing the signs. Here are some of the signs to pay attention to that may mean a person is being mistreated in their relationship:
- Black eyes
- Red or purple marks on the neck
- Bruises on arms
- Low-self esteem
- Extremely apologetic
- Seeming fearful
- Changes in sleeping habits
- Anxiety or agitation
- Developing a drug or alcohol problem
- Symptoms of depression
- Loss of interest in daily activities
- Talking about or attempting suicide
- Cancels appointments and meetings with you at the last minute
- Exhibits excessive privacy concerning their personal life or the person with whom they’re in a relationship
- Begins isolating themselves by cutting off contacts with friends and family members
If you need legal help, contact our Springfield domestic assault attorneys today. We can help you get out of this situation and start living a life free from abuse.
